Review & Giveaway: GI Jayne Fitness Kickboxing DVD

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Chris Harris, a Cleveland-based musician who has recently produced a kickboxing DVD with local fitness instructor Jayne Engeman and Chris wanted to know if I would be interested in reviewing it on my blog. Given that I’ve always had an interest in kickboxing and am trying to build up a home workout video collection I, of course, said yes and was provided with a free copy of GI Jayne Fitness Kickboxing DVD to try out and another to giveaway to one of you fabulous readers.

Bonus: the fact that Chris and I both live in the same city means they arrived the next day.

Double Bonus: Looking at his social media profiles, Mr. Harris is quite cute but, shhhh, don’t tell him I said that.

Right. Sooooo.

Back when I was still living at home and had a membership to the local gym at Stars Hollow, I sometimes took a combo step/kickboxing class. Loved the kickboxing part, hated the step so I was super pumped to get an opportunity to try this DVD out and have a full chance at kickboxing. (Of course, I quickly learned I’m fairly uncoordinated, at least in the beginning while still learning the moves on the DVD. But I at least I gave myself enough space in my living room so I didn’t risk kicking the TV in so, y’know, it’s the little things.)

Including warm up and cool down, GI Jayne’s workout is about 25-30 minutes which is perfect for me because it means I can get a good workout in before work without having to wake up ridiculously early. I may be a morning exerciser but I still like my sleep, yo.

There’s a lot I like about this DVD but the first is that I really appreciate that Jayne does the entire workout with her students from start to finish. Use enough of these and you’ll find videos where the instructor will start each move and only do it for a couple of reps before going on to comment on the other people doing the video to provide modifications or information or whatever. That’s perfectly fine and reasonable, as the information given during moves can be helpful and modifications sometimes necessary.

However.

What I don’t like is when an instructor does that — only works out for maybe 1/3 of the total video while their assistants do the entire thing — and then by the end the instructor is all “Oh, I’m soooooo worn out from this workout!”

No you aren’t. You barely did anything and haven’t broken a sweat.

I love you, Jillian Michaels, but you are guilty of this. Just sayin’.

GI Jayne, however, worked out with her assistants (I’m assuming it’s some of her regular class members) from start to finish. The woman is drenched with sweat by the end of the video and I love it. She’s also still able to give modifications for certain moves while working out: toe taps instead of full on Jumping Jacks or how if you can’t do the jump kick near the end it’s perfectly fine to stay with the normal kick.

(Which is good. ‘Cause, again, kinda uncoordinated here. Just the thought of even attempting the jump kick makes me almost fall over.)

Another thing I like about the DVD is the way the program is structured. Jayne starts with some basic moves and builds up from there. The first time I worked out it was a bit touch and go for me because I wasn’t used to the moves and was trying to keep up (and she keeps you moving the whole time), but with each successive workout I felt a little more comfortable with the routine and know it will definitely be in my regular workout video rotation.

Jayne herself is personable, motivating, and encouraging on the video and makes sure you the viewer know it’s totally okay if you have to do some of the modifications. Plus, y’know, Cleveland instructor, Cleveland produced. What’s not to love about that? After working out to this DVD I’m now thinking I may have to figure out a way to attend one of her actual classes.

Now it’s your turn to win your own copy of this sweet DVD! There are several ways for you to enter and the contest is open until Tuesday night. Winner will be announced in Wednesday’s post.

a Rafflecopter giveaway//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.jsFine Print: Open to US Residents (only because it’s a US-based DVD and won’t play in international players). Giveaway ends Tuesday June 11, 2013 at 11:59 PM EST. At the completion of the giveaway winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize. In exchange for my review I was provided with one copy of GI Jayne Fitness Kickboxing DVD to giveaway and one to keep for myself. As always, views are 100% my own.Love from the ashes,Lady Lazarus

Ahhh, this would be sweet! Kickboxing is one of my favorite fitness activities. There's nothing like beating on a bag for an hour to relieve stress. I don't have a bag at home, so this DVD would be a great alternative when I can't get to the gym!